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Musée des Arts forains
The Musée des Arts Forains is set in the Pavillons de Bercy, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, in the heart of the Bercy district, a former wine-trading place. It houses Jean-Paul Favand's collection, devoted to fairground heritage, from carousels and automata to fairground decors and games.
The visit is guided and participatory. It leads through several spaces, including a theatre and decorated rooms, and brings back to life the atmosphere of the Belle Époque and nineteenth-century fairground. Visitors can try old carousels, sometimes operated by arm power, and discover attractions and shows.
The museum is open by reservation. The Festival du Merveilleux, organised each winter, lets you discover the premises on a free visit for several days. The museum also offers special visits during the European Heritage Days.
